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Happy Easter from us at Daba to all who celebrate!

Here's a quick preview of today’s newsletter: Trump’s tariffs rattle African exporters, Moniepoint enters diaspora banking, Stitch raises $55M to streamline payments, and FSDAi backs Nigeria’s green infrastructure.

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What’s New on Daba Pro?

We’re thrilled to announce several enhancements to our Daba Pro service, offering greater convenience and value to our customers. 

These new features are designed to make your financial management even more seamless while providing attractive cost savings.

From instant withdrawals to discounted fees on managed funds, check out our blog now to find out more.

ICYMI: BRVM Stocks Will Start Paying Dividends From This Week

Over 10 companies on the BRVM are set to distribute dividends in 2025, starting with BOA Burkina Faso on April 22. From telecom giants like SONATEL to major banks like Bank of Africa - Groupe Bank of Africa units, investors can expect impressive payouts this year.

With yields as high as 10%, this is your sign to start investing in the BRVM market.

📅 Want to know which stocks are paying and when? CLICK HERE to see the updated list with payment dates.

And download the Daba app now to never miss a payout again. 👇

Now, let’s dive in.

Markets Snapshot

Daba indexes track curated stock collections—all available to invest in directly on the app.

Data as of 04/18/2025 market close

Four Things You Need to Know

Tariff impact: Trump’s new tariff push could devastate African economies reliant on AGOA, with Lesotho and Madagascar facing duties up to 50%. With 90 days to negotiate, vulnerable exporters like Côte d’Ivoire and South Africa risk sharp losses unless favorable terms are secured.

Diaspora play: Moniepoint launches MonieWorld to tap UK-Nigeria remittances and aims to evolve into a full-service immigrant bank. Competing with Zepz and LemFi, it bets on bundling transfers with credit tools to win diaspora trust and market share.

Payments powerplay: Stitch raised $55M to cut out banks and become a direct card acquirer, tightening its grip on South Africa’s payments stack. Backed by QED and PayPal, Stitch eyes seamless in-store and online payments for clients like Takealot and MTN.

Green liquidity: FSD Africa’s £10M bet on ARM-Harith looks to unlock Nigerian pension funds for climate infrastructure with local-currency, early-exit options. The model aims to de-risk long-term green projects and could spark a shift in how Africa finances its $100B infrastructure gap.

Headline Roundup

Markets & Finance

• Nation Media Posts $1.9M Loss on Ad Slump, Restructuring Costs

• Nigerian Banks Earn $419M From Digital Transactions in 2024

Economy & Macro

• Equatorial Guinea Launches Port JV to Compete with Cameroon

• Congo’s $2B Sounda Hydropower Project Postponed Amid Crisis

• Nigeria’s Inflation Rebounds to 24.2% in March as Currency Weakens

Corporate & M&A

• DPI Launches New Africa Unit After Nclude Fintech Fund Takeover

• Ecobank Côte d’Ivoire to Raise $52M to Support Lending, Growth

• Equinix to Invest $140M in Nigeria to Expand Internet Infrastructure

VC, Startups & Tech

• Nigeria’s Web3 Startups Raise $130M as Stablecoin Use Surges

• AfriLabs Secures $150,000 Grant from Airbnb Community Fund

• South Africa’s Zimi Secures $320K Grant to Test Vehicle-to-Grid Tech

What Else We’re Reading

• Top Themes Africa Investors Should Watch in 2025

• Debt, Elections, Growth: WAEMU High-Stakes Year Ahead

• Benin’s IPO Market Heats Up Amid Economic Reforms

• Big Reset: Uranium-Rich Niger Set for Rapid Growth

Chart of the Week

Sub-Saharan Africa accounted for $1.1 trillion of the nearly $1.7 trillion in global mobile money transactions last year, according to GSMA. 

The region remains the industry's epicenter, fueled by strong adoption in East and West Africa. Growth was driven by a surge in registered accounts and increased monthly activity. 

However, the report highlights a persistent gender divide: eight of 12 surveyed countries showed lower mobile account ownership among women. Nigeria and Ethiopia were particularly stark cases. 

Despite impressive scale, inclusive growth remains a challenge as the region continues to dominate the mobile money landscape.

Get the full context now on Daba News.

That’s it for today.

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Catch you next week!